FCC wants to make carriers unlock phones within 60 days of activation

Wireless providers would have to unlock all cellphones within 60 days of activation under a proposal unveiled Thursday by the Federal Communications Commission.

The new rule would allow mobile phone owners to switch to another service provider more easily, so long as their devices are compatible with the new provider's wireless network, according to the regulator. 

"When you buy a phone, you should have the freedom to decide when to change service to the carrier you want and not have the device you own stuck by practices that prevent you from making that choice," FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement.